FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – Flagler Beach is considering a major expansion of its public surveillance network, with a city commission vote scheduled for Thursday on a proposal to install 30 security cameras across town.
If approved, 15 poles would be placed throughout the city — primarily in the downtown area — each equipped with two 180-degree cameras. The system would provide real-time feeds to law enforcement and select city officials, as well as recorded footage. A private company would handle installation and train city staff on how to operate the system.
The price tag: approximately $109,000 to install and implement, with an estimated $47,800 in annual costs.
The city’s agenda item cites enhancing public safety and supporting city operations as the driving reasons behind the proposal — but that explanation has left many residents wanting more.
Marcus Moore, a longtime Flagler Beach resident, said he isn’t convinced the town has a problem that warrants the investment.
“Sounds to me like we think we have a security problem so I don’t know what we do because I’ve not really noticed it myself,” Moore said.
Moore stopped short of opposing cameras outright, but drew a clear line at widespread surveillance.
“A few would not bother me at all — I don’t want to go into a security state where every inch of my movements are covered,” he said.
Others suggested the money could be better spent elsewhere.
“I’m thinking they could put on a few more police officers with that money,” said resident Daniel.
Many residents said they were unaware the city had been planning the camera network at all. Resident Pat Wesley questioned whether the scale of the proposal matched the reality of crime in Flagler Beach.
“Maybe a few, not as many as they’re saying. No, we have no crime here so I don’t know what the purpose is,” Wesley said.
Resident Steve echoed that skepticism, pressing for greater transparency from city leaders.
“I’m kind of skeptical why they’re putting in 30 cameras. There’s got to be some reason, I don’t know what the reason is and apparently they don’t either because they haven’t specifically said,” Steve said.
The city manager was unavailable for comment, and commissioners did not respond to requests for an interview. Questions about local crime rates and what specifically prompted the camera proposal remain unanswered.
The Flagler Beach City Commission is set to vote on the measure Thursday night.